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| Mary Harris "Mother" Jones visits Rotary |
Editor: Gilliland, Edward "Ted"
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Thelma Bear Edgerton represented the High Plains Chautauqua and introduced Tillie Newman as Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, a worker’s rights advocate from the early 1900s. Dressed as Mother Jones, Tillie presented, in character, a powerful, first person account of the life and trials of Mother Jones as she fought for the rights of the coal miners in 1902 Colorado. She vividly and personally brought to life the history of those times with her excellent portrayal of Mother Jones. She shared with us the 14-15 hr/day work schedule of the miners, how the mine owners took advantage of them by cheating on the scales that weighed the coal that determined their pay for the day, and over charging them at the company store. She also shared about the beatings and harassment that kept the miners “in line”. She took audience questions as Mother Jones demonstrating her scholarly and personal understanding of this historical figure. She even did an impromptu “devil’s advocate” encounter with president Fred and handled herself quite nicely.
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One of the Rotarian’s asked her where she went to College and was astonished to learn that Tillie was a Junior at Central High School in Greeley. It was and impressive performance by an impressive young woman. Tillie hopes to train as an investigative journalist in college.
High Plains Chautauqua presents a variety of reenactments of historical figures at free events August 7-11 here in Greeley at Aims college and other venues around town. Get a flyer for details. Thanks to Jane Adams, Director of High Plains Chautauqua for facilitating our program on her birthday. |
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Rotary Club of Greeley (Centennial)
